Barcelona's Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 4 football match between FC Barcelona and Aston Villa at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on November 3, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has made history by becoming the highest-scoring teenager in UEFA Champions League history, surpassing French forward Kylian Mbappé’s previous record.
The 19-year-old reportedly set the new milestone in November 2026 after scoring in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, taking his Champions League goal tally to 14.
Yamal’s achievement highlights the impact of young players in Europe’s biggest club competition, with several football stars having established themselves as prolific goalscorers before turning 20.
According to Planet Football on Wednesday, from Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni to Real Madrid forward Mbappé, several players have enjoyed remarkable Champions League careers during their teenage years.
The 10 players who made their mark as teenage goalscorers in the competition revealed
1. Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger tops the list after reportedly becoming the Champions League’s highest-scoring teenager with 14 goals.
Yamal has continued to impress with his performances for Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in European football.
His record is particularly remarkable considering his age, with more opportunities to extend his tally before his teenage years come to an end.
2. Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé announced himself on the European stage during his time at Monaco, becoming the second-youngest French player to score in the Champions League behind Karim Benzema.
He scored in Monaco’s 5-3 defeat to Manchester City in 2017, marking the beginning of his rise to global prominence.
The French forward later enjoyed impressive Champions League campaigns with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring five goals and providing six assists as the club reached the final in 2020.
He has since continued his career at Real Madrid, although winning the Champions League remains one of his major ambitions.
3. Erling Haaland
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored 10 Champions League goals before turning 20, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous young forwards.
He announced himself in the competition with a first-half hat-trick on his debut for Red Bull Salzburg against Genk.
His remarkable scoring ability continued after moves to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, where he eventually helped the English club win their first Champions League title in 2023.
4. Patrick Kluivert
Former Netherlands international Patrick Kluivert scored seven Champions League goals as a teenager in 18 appearances.
His most memorable contribution came in the 1995 final against AC Milan, when he scored Ajax’s winning goal in the 85th minute.
At 18, Kluivert became the youngest player to score in a Champions League final at the time.
5. Raúl González
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Real Madrid legend Raúl González scored six goals in eight Champions League appearances before turning 20.
The Spanish forward enjoyed a remarkable start to his career at the Santiago Bernabéu, becoming one of the club’s most important attacking players.
He went on to become the first player to score 50 goals in the competition and made more than 100 appearances in the tournament.
6. Karim Benzema
French striker Karim Benzema scored six Champions League goals in nine appearances as a teenager during his time at Lyon.
He announced himself on the European stage with impressive performances before moving to Real Madrid, where he became one of the club’s greatest forwards.
Benzema won five Champions League titles with Madrid and played a crucial role in their 2022 triumph, when he emerged as the competition’s leading scorer.
7. Jude Bellingham
England international Jude Bellingham scored six Champions League goals in 23 appearances before turning 20.
The midfielder made his mark in the competition with Borussia Dortmund after moving from Birmingham City.
His impressive performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he continued to establish himself among Europe’s leading midfielders.
8. Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Former Nigerian international Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored five goals in five Champions League appearances as a teenager.
The striker enjoyed an impressive spell with Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, scoring against Manchester United and recording a hat-trick against Olympiacos.
His performances in the competition helped attract interest from English clubs, eventually leading to his move to Portsmouth.
9. Rodrygo
Brazilian forward Rodrygo scored five Champions League goals before turning 20, achieving the feat in 11 appearances.
He made an impressive start to life at Real Madrid after joining the Spanish club from Santos.
His performances in Europe helped establish him as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in the game.
10. Désiré Doué
French forward Désiré Doué also reached five Champions League goals before turning 20.
The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has attracted attention for his technical ability, versatility and attacking contributions.
His emergence among Europe’s young goalscorers further highlights the growing influence of teenage players in the competition.
Source: Punch · Gilbert Ekugbe
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